Placerita Junior High Home

Principal's Message

Welcome to the Placerita Junior High School website.  Placerita has a rich tradition of student achievement in academics and co-curricular activities that prepare students for additional experiences and career paths in high school, college, and beyond.  With “Pride in Excellence” as Placerita’s motto, we are dedicated to serving all our students, recognizing the unique characteristics of early adolescents.  In a safe, caring, and healthy environment, we prepare students with academic, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical skills to help them become positive, productive, capable citizens. 
 
Students at Placerita are supported by highly qualified, caring, and devoted teachers and staff who are focused on helping every student succeed.  We’re all in this together, and we each play a vital role in students’ education and overall growth through Junior High School.  Our goal is the same: student learning.  And we are committed to working together to ensure our students are challenged, motivated, encouraged, and involved as much as possible.
Parents, your level of involvement is very important, and we appreciate all your support in many different ways.  From helping your students with their homework, volunteering at events here at school, and even attending their activities, your support is crucial in their upbringing and overall well-being.  We recognize this partnership, and thank you for your constant communication and support.
 
We have activities for all students’ interest and talent level.  Please encourage your students to try something new, or focus on improving their strengths and abilities through elective classes, clubs, and extra-curricular activities.  Junior High is the perfect time for students to examine, explore, and experiment with new pursuits that might one day become life-long passions.  In whatever they choose, we remind and encourage them to try their best, and strive for improvement every day.
 
Thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education.  We value their minds and abilities, push them to achieve great things, and work diligently with you to develop their potential.
Exterior of Placerita Junior High School

Mission & Vision

With “Pride in Excellence” as our motto, Placerita Junior High School’s staff, students, parents, and community will cooperate to serve the student, recognizing the unique characteristics of early adolescents. In a safe, caring, and healthy environment, we will prepare students with academic, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical skills to help them become positive, productive, capable citizens. It is the vision of faculty, staff, and parents that the school mission statement will be achieved by establishing:
 
A safe, orderly, and caring school environment that respects diversity and emphasizes tolerance of others.
An environment that recognizes the value and potential of each student.
An atmosphere that promotes teamwork among members of the school community.
An academically challenging learning environment for all students.
An environment that encourages students to mature socially and emotionally.
An on-going process of review and evaluation.

News

Placerita Dance Auditions Results

Thank you to everyone who came out to audition for “advanced dance”! Over 40 students! Wow!! Next year is going to be a spectacular year of dancing! Placements are final and if any changes need to be made, it will be at the discretion of the teacher and counselors at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year.
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Online Picture Orders for 2022-23

Look here for the link to the O'Connor Photography page to get a head start on ordering your pictures for this next school year.
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CDS PL

Placerita Named a California Distinguished School for 2021

Placerita along with Rancho Pico and Rio Norte were named California Distinguished Schools for 2021. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said “These schools are great examples of California’s commitment to provide outstanding public education for all students, and their data-driven efforts have helped ensure that their students leave with the tools and skills they need to be successful after graduation,” Thurmond said. “Our thanks go to the entire communities surrounding these schools, including the teachers, administrators, and classified employees as well as the students and their families who, through teamwork, all accomplished this impressive achievement together.”
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At A Glance

  • First Junior High School established in the Santa Clarita Valley
  • Est. 1960 Opened in Newhall in 1960 and moved into its current location in 1961
  • 7-8 Placerita serves students in both 7th and 8th grade with a variety of curriculum choices
  • California Distinguished School as recognized by the California Department of Education